Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Friday said the voice of the poor is heard in Fort St. George, the seat of power in the state.

Unfurling the national flag for the 14th time in her political career on Independence Day, she said: "It is said the voice of the poor will not be heard. But it is only their voice that will be heard in Fort St.George."

As proof, Jayalalithaa cited the government's decision to oppose the laying of gas pipelines across farm lands by GAIL, the methane exploration project in Thanjavur district and foreign direct investment in retail.

She listed out the various welfare measures of her government to uplift the poor like distribution of free mixers, cattle, solar powered green houses and more.

She said the state has achieved self sufficiency in the education sector.

On the 68th Independence Day, the chief minister said it was time to reflect upon and remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters who took on the British.